It looks like my predictions for pool play fell into line, with the exception of the team from Mexico finishing ahead of Curacao in Pool C. A bit of a surprise, but not by much, as I said it was a virtual coin-flip.
The Venezuela vs. Japan extra inning tilt was a classic, too bad it will not be a preview of the Championship Game. It could very well be the International Final, but Mexico is very, very tough.
The Italian team played very respectably and provided what I describe as 'the weed that grows in the garden' type problem that is prevalent in the sport at this level. The announcers made the point that the Italian coaches commendably would not allow their kids to throw curve balls, never mind sliders. And the results showed, the pitchers got pounded, as hitters that advance this far can and will pound the fastball. Virtually every other team had multiple pitchers throwing various styles of breaking pitches. The Italian approach is very pro-development, but unfortunately it is very anti-competitive. I wish that was not the case, but it is.
I'll stay with my Japan-Hawaii final for now.
How cute was it to see Stacey Dales try to do serious interviews with 12-year olds. Their one word responses were priceless, but maybe the sleeveless, low-cut look was a contributing factor. I know it was for me.
Go Citrus Park. I would not mind seeing them upset my finals prediction and crash the party, Louisiana is going to be tough. A lot depends on where each team decides to toss their stud pitcher. Do you point him to the final or do you try to get there and hope your #2 is just good enough? And what if the other team goes nuclear and throws it's #1 vs. your #2? Coaches must be going crazy at this point.
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